Argo Villas (Iphitos & Amphion)

"Peparethos, rich in grapes and wine", so wrote Sophocles, one of the greatest playwrights of Ancient Greece, two and a half thousand years ago. Pepatheros, was later renamed Staphylos, Greek for grape, then changed again in more recent times to Skopelos, but the connection remains to this day with the picturesque village of Stafilos overlooking the beautiful beach and bay of the same name.

The Argo Villas, another legendary name from the distant past, are modern, comfortable and designed to enjoy to the full the history, natural beauty and romance of this jewel of the Sporades islands. And you don’t even need to stir from your shaded balcony to experience the beauty. The view down to the bay and the Aegean sea beyond is framed by those justly famed other inhabitants of this, the “green and blue” island, Aleppo pine forests and olives. The latter provide one of the culinary delights, a delicious table olive known as the Pelion variety.

Should you wish to discover many of the other beaches and villages of the island then Stafilos is an excellent starting point. The village, perched on a steep hillside, still retains its traditional atmosphere, enhanced by the Venetian fortress behind. The Italian colonizers certainly knew a good island or two. Skopelos Town, the capital and main port of the island, is just a short drive away, as is the historic hilltop town of Glossa, unchanged in centuries. Whilst the island’s coastline, with its dramatic rocky headlands, pebble beaches and tree-lined coves, is made for relaxed exploration, the fertile interior of the island, with its orchards and unique breed of goats, is equally worth investigating, either on foot, bicycle or by car.

No stay on the island would be complete without sampling the exceptional goat’s feta cheese and local plum jam, washed down with island wine. A feast fit for Sophocles himself, but the great man did not have the advantage of his own private swimming pool to enjoy them by.